When Disney announced its live-action remake of Snow White, expectations were high for another box office triumph in the studio’s long line of animated-to-live-action adaptations. But by the time the film hit theaters in March 2025, it found itself at the center of a storm that had little to do with dwarves, poisoned apples, or fairy tale nostalgia.
Instead, political controversy and ideological division dominated headlines, leaving the film entangled in a broader cultural war that may have dampened its commercial success.
A Tale of Two Perspectives: Zegler vs. Gadot
At the heart of the controversy were the film’s leading stars—Rachel Zegler, who played Snow White, and Gal Gadot, cast as the Evil Queen. Their off-screen political stances—particularly in relation to the Israel-Palestine conflict—sparked widespread debate and created tension that overshadowed the film’s artistic and narrative ambitions.
Zegler, known for her outspoken activism, voiced pro-Palestinian sentiments on social media during the height of the Israel-Gaza war. Her posts included calls for a ceasefire, critiques of military violence, and solidarity with civilians affected by the conflict. These statements garnered both praise and condemnation, depending on the audience’s political orientation.
Gadot, an Israeli actress and former soldier in the Israel Defense Forces, has long been vocal in her support of Israel. Her past statements, particularly those defending Israeli military actions, resurfaced in the public discourse as the film’s release approached.
The stark contrast between the actresses’ public views turned the film into a lightning rod for geopolitical tensions. What was meant to be a magical reimagining of a childhood classic became, for many, a referendum on identity politics and international conflict.
Fallout and Audience Division
The differing ideologies of Zegler and Gadot didn’t stay confined to Twitter or press conferences—they spilled over into public perception of the film. Audiences on both sides of the political divide expressed discomfort. Some pro-Israel viewers called for a boycott over Zegler’s remarks, while pro-Palestinian supporters criticized Gadot’s inclusion in the project.
These dynamics polarized the film’s potential audience base. Instead of uniting fans under Disney’s familiar banner of nostalgia and fantasy, Snow White became a symbol of deeper fractures within the global and domestic political landscape.
Internal Criticism Goes Public
Adding to the controversy was public criticism from Jonah Platt, son of Snow White producer Marc Platt, who directly blamed lead actress Rachel Zegler for contributing to the film’s underwhelming box office performance. In a widely circulated post, Jonah accused Zegler of “hijacking the conversation” away from the film’s message, pointing to her politically charged remarks and repeated critiques of the original 1937 Disney classic. Zegler had previously called the original film “weird,” criticized the prince as a “stalker,” and dismissed the love story as outdated, stating, “She’s not going to be saved by the prince and she’s not going to be dreaming about true love.” Jonah argued that these kinds of comments alienated core Disney audiences, making the film more about ideological messaging than timeless storytelling..
His statements echoed a sentiment shared by some within Hollywood: that stars’ political activism, while personally valid, can complicate marketing and alienate mainstream audiences.
Box Office Reflections
Despite opening as the number one film globally, Snow White underperformed relative to Disney’s expectations. The film grossed approximately $87.3 million worldwide during its debut weekend—a respectable figure but significantly below the benchmarks set by other recent Disney live-action releases.
Analysts point to the swirling political and cultural controversies as contributing factors. The marketing campaign was consistently derailed by media attention focused on ideological battles rather than the film itself. Instead of building anticipation for the cinematic experience, promotional efforts were forced to respond to criticism, backlash, and ideological polarization.
Lessons for the Industry
The Snow White remake offers a cautionary tale for studios navigating the modern media landscape. In an era where stars’ personal beliefs are inseparable from their public personas, and where every major release risks becoming politicized, studios must tread carefully between supporting free expression and managing brand integrity.
For Disney, a company long associated with family-friendly storytelling and mass appeal, the controversy reveals the challenges of operating in a hyper-politicized environment. As the cultural landscape continues to shift, entertainment companies must grapple with how to tell inclusive, modern stories without becoming casualties of the cultural crossfire.
The 2025 Snow White remake was meant to be a celebration of Disney’s timeless legacy, reimagined for a new generation. Instead, it became a symbol of the broader societal tensions playing out in real time. While the film may still find success through international markets or streaming, its theatrical run will be remembered as a case study in how political identity, social media, and public perception can profoundly shape a film’s journey long before the opening credits roll.
